Buddy Check 9: MicroDose Mammography Follow-Up

WASHINGTON (WUSA) -- Three months ago, Buddy Check 9 introduced you to Micro Dose Mammography. It's been available in Europe and Asia for years, but it now has the green light for use in the U.S.

In our area, Micro Dose is at United Medical Center in Southeast D.C. Buddy Check 9 has this follow-up on what's seen as the next generation of mammography.

Dr. Raymond Tu, Chairman Of Diagnostic & Interventional Radiology talking about the new breast imaging technology offered at the United Medical Center in August. He said, "I think women & men will be inconvenienced and travel a little further distance and come to the United Medical Center for their mammogram because they know that it's a safe procedure with half the radiation dose; it makes sense."

It's called Micro Dose Full Field Mammography.The FDA approved, cutting edge technology is a first for our area and a giant leap forward for the former Greater SouthEast Community Hospital.

Dr. Tu explained, "First of all, the radiation dosage is half the standard mammograms. And number two, the detector itself is twice, three times more greater in density compared to standard mammogram technology so the image quality is superior to standard mammograms."

MicroDose works using a photon detector which minimizes scatter or ghost images.

"This actual piece moves across the breast like a fan. Every X-Ray is perfectly focused from here to the breast tissue, to the detector," pointed out Dr. Tu.

While maintaining quality & accuracy, Dr. Tu says studies show cutting the radiation in half also lowers the small risk of radiation-induced breast cancers. It's one less medical concern for his patients who come from DC Wards 7 & 8 and bordering Prince George's County neighborhoods.

"They have complex issues. Many of them need additional imaging for other medical problems so that's why for me the priority of a lower radiation dose was an important decision," shared Dr. Tu.

Bringing Micro Dose Technology to the United Medical Center is the first phase of the hospital's master plan for creating a comprehensive women's health center.

While patients currently taking advantage of Micro Dose Mammography are currently from the immediate neighborhoods served by United Medical Center, Dr. Tu wants every city resident to know that all are welcome if they want safe, high quality breast imaging with LESS radiation.